You feel hopeless. Everything is a chore, even getting out of bed and showering. The things you used to enjoy suddenly feel like a burden. Often, clinical depression requires seeing a competent therapist and perhaps taking medication.

Regardless of whether you are managing reactive or clinical depression, there are little things you can do to help alleviate the symptoms.

Here’s a playlist of ideas on how to deal with depression, because, hey, music affects your mood big time.

1. "Beautiful Day" by U2

Turn off the TV. Don’t read the newspaper. You don’t need to add to the things that are stressing you out. And, unless you are an elected official or disaster relief worker, there’s not much you can do about the bad news.

Finally, don’t give up! You will start feeling better. Little things matter and they add up over time.

But, if you find yourself thinking about suicide or making plans, it’s time to find a competent professional. You have too much life ahead of you to keep living like this.

Gretchen Martens is an author, speaker, coach, and happiness expert. Text "happiness" to 33222 for a free daily happiness message and join her open Facebook community, The Happiness Society (@ResilientHappiness).